Number of back injuries among people trying to save parched gardens soars as a result of the hosepipe ban

Published: 16:51, 23 August 2026 | Updated: 16:51, 23 August 2026 Whether a hardened gardener or a proud homeowner just trying to stop the flowerbeds from wilting, all agree that the hosepipe bans are a pain in the neck – but for many it’s more than just a turn of phrase. Osteopaths are reporting a ‘huge’ increase in the number of people suffering strains and other injuries as a result of having to heft heavy watering cans to stop their beloved lawns and plants from dying in the tinderbox conditions. The elderly are particularly at risk but even young, fit people are getting caught out with a range of injuries from repeatedly carrying loads of water around their gardens. Clare Marriott, an osteopath at Twyford Chiropractic Clinic in Berkshire, issued a warning on Facebook, saying: ‘I have had a HUGE increase in patients coming in saying they have back, neck, shoulder and elbow pain that they attribute to using watering cans due to the hosepipe ban! ‘Let’s face it, most of us appreciate the sunshine, albeit a little too hot at times, but the hosepipe ban has led to us all having to water our gardens with a single watering can. ‘I have had a lot of patients coming in over the last few weeks with injuries they attribute to watering cans.’ Katy Stone, who works at Stowmarket Osteopaths in Suffolk, said: ‘We want to highlight an unintended consequence of the current hosepipe ban that we are seeing in our clinic. ‘Over the past few weeks, we have treated a disproportionate number of patients, particularly with musculoskeletal problems caused by repeatedly carrying heavy watering cans. The elderly are particularly at risk of injury while carrying heavy watering cans but even young, fit people are getting caught out with a range of injuries ‘What was once a relatively light task has become physically demanding and, in some cases, causing injury, particularly in the stoic and rule-abiding who do so without complaint.’ Freddy Weller, a colleague at the clinic, added: ‘Sometimes it’s tricky for people to pinpoint the back pain. ‘They explain their daily tasks and what’s changed. It’s clear that one factor that’s changed is up to an hour a day of using a watering can.’ Millions of people have been hit with the bans following a bone-dry summer, compounded by billions of litres of water every day through leaky, ageing pipes. Last week Thames Water warned its ban was likely to stay in place until the end of the year, affecting its 10.1 million customers. However, The Brightwell, a centre for neurological wellbeing and physical recovery in Bristol, points out on its website there is ‘an essential, often overlooked part of these regulations: disabled people, those with long-term health conditions, and individuals on priority registers are widely exempt’. It adds: ‘If you cannot safely carry a watering can or bucket due to a disability or health condition, you are legally permitted to continue using a hosepipe for essential domestic tasks like keeping your garden alive or cleaning immediate safety hazards.’ David Kennett, a council member of the Institute of Osteopathy, said his clinic in Rochester, Kent, had also seen ‘a number of patients presenting with gardening-related injuries during periods of hosepipe restrictions’. David Kennett, a council member of the Institute of Osteopathy, said his clinic in Rochester, Kent, had seen ‘a number of patients presenting with gardening-related injuries during periods of hosepipe restrictions’ Gardeners are being advised to put less water in cans to avoid the risk of injuries including lower back pain, neck strain, and tendon-related problems such as tennis elbow He added: ‘The most common complaints include lower back pain, neck strain, and tendon-related problems such as tennis elbow, often caused by the weight of the can combined with the repetitive nature of the task. ‘Older adults and those with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions can be particularly vulnerable. ‘Repeatedly lifting and carrying heavy loads places significant strain on the spine, shoulders, elbows and wrists, especially when undertaken over prolonged periods or when fatigue sets in. ‘For individuals who qualify for an exemption to a hosepipe ban because of a disability or medical condition, we would encourage them to contact their water supplier to ensure they are aware of the support available and the process for obtaining permission. ‘For those who do not qualify for an exemption, our advice is simple: never carry more than you can comfortably manage.’